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There are five species in the perennial flowering genus Strelitzia commonly called the crane flower in their native South Africa and the bird of paradise in the United States where they are popular potted plants. They can grow outdoors in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. They are propagated both by seed and by division. Although the seeds are slow to germinate, the success rate is higher than propagation by division.

Scarifying Seeds

Pea-sized bird of paradise seeds, black with orange fuzz on one end, germinate best if they are fresh. Older seeds develop a hard coat that makes them more difficult to germinate. The orange tufts are removed from seeds after which they are soaked in lukewarm water then scratched or nicked, a process called scarification. Estimates of how long the seeds need to soak vary from several hours up to 36 hours with water changed daily if they are soaked longer than 24 hours. Commercial growers soak them in concentrated sulfuric acid for five minutes then rinse in cold water. Horticulturalists at the University of Florida say growers can reduce the time it takes the seeds to germinate by refrigerating them at 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit before scarifying them.

Sowing Seeds

Sow the seeds 1/2 inch deep in a commercial potting soil, perlite or a mixture of half peat and half perlite. The seeds are typically enclosed in clear plastic or put under glass placed in indirect light and kept warm. A temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If they are kept moist, bird of paradise seeds should germinate in two to three months. They are usually transplanted when they have three or four leaves. Seedlings typically yield flowers in three to five years.

Separating Divisions

A mature bird of paradise plant is removed from its pot in late spring to early summer, exposing its tangle of thick, fleshy roots. Old clumps are separated into single-stem divisions, each of which contains four to five young shoots. Plantz Africa recommends that the divided clumps be at least 2 1/3 inches wide. If necessary, use a sharp knife to cut through the roots.

Planting Divisions

The roots of the separated sections are dipped in root hormone and planted in the smallest possible pot because they bloom better if they are root bound. Divisions fare best if they are planted in the same plant mix and at the same depth in which they were originally grown. Divisions are not watered for two days to allow cut roots to form protective callouses. Although mature plants will flower as usual after they are divided, cutting flower stalks can help the plant recover. Divisions usually yield flowers in one to two years.